Friday First - Honoring Our Older Members

The longstanding legacy of spiritual leadership spanning the generations has been on abundant display here at Cornerstone … for a long time. This is a blessing for which we should be thankful. We are beyond blessed. And as we think of many here in the older generation, we are inspired in how they haven’t quit or given up. In fact, they have used their remaining time to become even more effective and visible in our church family.

While we often focus on our younger families as the key to the future … our older members provide us with needed strength, experience, stability, and wisdom. They make the church a better place … a richer place. On Friday I found some stats that say in the United States in 12 years (2034) those 65+ will outnumber those age 18-below. If these trends come into reality, and our church gains more older members, we need to see it as a blessing. It will be, if our older members walk in the way of righteousness.  There is no value in being old if you are not godly.

On Sunday we’ll spend time in Titus 2 where Paul emphasizes the character of a healthy church. We need those whose lives are characterized by consistent victory. A healthy church is made up of strong Christians who are committed, at every stage of life, to lead fully devoted lives for Christ. It’s all for a purpose: so that we may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything, Titus 2.10. I think here, in Titus 2.2-5, Paul urges Titus to begin his instruction with the older ones, because they are so valuable. If the church is to have a powerful impact on the world, our older ones must continue to demonstrate the saving power of God and His word.

On Sunday we’ll talk about two important concepts:

• Why we respect older men.
• Why we respect older women.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. How does the high view of older persons in the New Testament contrast to the way the world often views them?
2. What does it mean to be “dignified?”
3. Why do you think the church desperately needs the type of older person who exemplifies 1 Corinthians 13.4-7?
4. Do you think it is important to note how Scripture exalts women? Why?
5. What are some things you can do to encourage our older members? And if you’re older, what are some things you can do to come alongside the younger ones?

OPENING / WELCOME
Rich Walker

SONG LEADER
Dru McLaughlin

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Wes Grushon

LORD'S SUPPER
Justin Spargo

SCRIPTURE READING
Bob Zehring
Titus 2.1-5

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
George Wacks

WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald / Connie Curry / Rachel Curry

USHERS
Chris Fles / Bob Hoopes

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Nathan Armstrong